Monday, 22 August 2011

Here on www.wdnicolson.com we've got all the Game Results, Match Reports, Game Highlights, Game Stats, Injury News, Press Conferences and NRL Tweet Player of the Year Award Votes in the one place. This Round Review also integrates our NRL Injured List - which if you haven't bookmarked by now - I suggest you do so.

- THE SUNDAY INQUISITION - Notes to be added after Monday Night Football.Player of the Year Votes are added as awarded by our panel and all votes are usually up to date by Tuesday.Fantasy League Leaderboard is updated Monday and Tuesday.

Note: The order in which Special Fried Rice (the game we guarantee that team will win) is chosen rotates - this week Waz had 1st choice, Matt 2nd, Dave 3rd and Nic 4th. So it isn't as easy as it sounds to tip correctly each week.

Best player in the NRL this season. For week in week out quality he is unmatched in 2011. That's a big call but the way he played both hooker and halfback for the Storm in Cooper Cronk's absence - and Melbourne didn't look any different than normal - isn't a slight on Cronk (he must be there in September for them to win the title) - but more a tribute to how influential Smith was in the 8-6 win.

2 -Billy Slater, MEL

His 200th game saw him heavily involved and willing to put his body on the line defensively. In attack he missed Cronk more than the Storm's game plan seemed too - if that makes sense. Primed for a big September.

1 -Gareth Widdop, MEL

Didn't play that much of a bigger role than normal but ran the ball superbly in the opening stages. Has been sensational as a rookie this season in a complimentary role.

Judge: Matt Spillane

4 -Gareth Widdop, MEL

Had a WOW of a game filling in for the injured Cooper Cronk. Made two line breaks and had an astute kicking game at halfback.

2 - Cameron Smith, MEL

Typical Cameron Smith performance. 41 Tackles and was always a handful in and around the ruck.

1 -Mitch Rein, STI

Strong game from the rookie rake. Made some important tackles and was impressive around the ruck.

Came up with two big plays late in the game to tie things up and send it to Golden Point. His intercept was massive and his sideline conversion sublime. Tempted to give the points to Issac Luke for his Gold Logie nomination worthy effort.

2 -Matt Bowen, NQL

Was the main reason the Cowboys had the lead late into the second half. Very safe at the back.

1 -Tariq Sims, NQL

Great performance off the bench, scored a try and made an impact once he was injected.

Judge: Nigel Wilbow

4 -Chris Sandow, SOU

The intercept that set up the final try to give him the sideline conversion opportunity is why Parramatta have paid him the big bucks. Solid kicking game and he made the difference late in the match.

2 - Michael Crocker, SOU

Made 39 tackles and most of them hurt the big North Queensland pack. Just ask James Tamou.

1 -Johnathan Thurston, NQL

Still looks short of his best after returning from injury two weeks ago. Had the Cowboys in a position to win the game but couldn't apply the killer blow.

With due respect to the other contenders - Cherry-Evans IS the Rookie of the Year by some length. His involvement level for a rookie halfback is sensational and the way he looks to run first is very rare for a genuine playmaking halfback. He's good enough already to get Manly to a Grand Final.

2 - Jamie Lyon, MAN

Made a number of key contributions during the game, including setting up the opening try and scoring what proved to be the match-sealer. His goal-kicking was on song as well which was key.

1 -Ben Barba, CBY

Yes he may have dropped a Jamal Idris pass that could have put the Dogs in front but the fact Canterbury were in the game had a lot to do with Barba's (and Idris') influence. Johnny on the spot for yet another try.

Judge: Maria Tsialis

4 -Jamie Lyon, MAN

He plays so well every week that it is easy to forget how instrumental he is to Manly's success. His pass to David Williams to set up the opening try was impeccable.

2 - Daly Cherry-Evans, MAN

If DCE doesn't win Rookie of the Year, the world has gone mad. Once again he controlled Manly's performance with an excellent kicking game.

1 -Joel Romelo, CBY

Has been a revelation in the latter stages of the season. Puts everything into his runs and his defence and just looks like he's having the time of his life playing first grade.

The 'Dream Team' King was superb. Played 80 yet again, ran with purpose, kept off-loading and was solid defensively. Rare off-night with the boot however.

2 -Darren Lockyer, BRI

Outstanding control of the game. When you see him perform like this it is hard to believe he is giving the game away at the end of 2011. Surely he could go around again?

1 -Jharal Yow Yeh, BRI

His intercept try was the turning point - putting Brisbane just out of reach of the Knights. He backed himself in defence despite Justin Hodges going off at halftime and the Knights throwing plenty at him as a result.

Judge: Haylen Southon

4 -Sam Thaiday, BRI

Set a solid platform all night for the Broncos. Made multiple hitups in sets and was a leader on the field before getting a rest.

2 - Corey Parker, BRI

Despite a few errors, Parker produced another mammoth statistical effort at lock. Off-loaded at will at times.

1 -Akuila Uate, NEW

Newcastle's best despite a some mistakes. Took valuable hit-ups to relieve his forwards and scored a fine try off a scrum move to get the Knights back in it before halftime.